Panama City Advances Cedar Grove Wastewater System Upgrade with Federal Grant Funding

Panama City is advancing plans to upgrade the wastewater collection system in its Cedar Grove Subdistrict, a project aimed at enhancing resilience and capacity. The initiative, funded through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) DR-4399-111-R, focuses on protecting critical infrastructure within the 32405 zip code area.

The initial phase, known as Phase I, involved surveying, engineering, design, plans preparation, permitting, and bidding. This crucial groundwork laid the foundation for future improvements, though no construction activities have yet received approval. The project's primary goal is to provide protective measures for the wastewater system, particularly in an area identified by coordinates (30.176714, -85.627544).

Phase II outlines significant infrastructure enhancements, including the construction of an adjunct sewage lift station and force main. This new infrastructure will reduce the flow demand on the existing BC-29 lift station and increase the overall capacity of the system. The new lift station will be located at the Southeast corner of Spring Avenue Park and will feature a wet well, valve box, two electric submersible pumps, associated piping, a control panel, and electrical connections.

A key component of the new lift station is a permanent diesel-powered bypass pump, designed to ensure continuous operation during power outages. This bypass pump will have a capacity of 400 to 500 gallons per minute (GPM). The installation also includes a platform to raise the bypass pump and electrical equipment, providing enhanced protection against potential hazards. The city will provide deliverables for Phase II review once the initial planning stages are complete.